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United Launch Alliance announced this evening that the launch of the ninth Wideband Global Satcom spacecraft (WGS-9) onboard a Delta IV is being delayed until no earlier than March 14, 2017 due to a technical issue discovered during first stage booster inspections. When it lifts off from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral AFS, Delta will fly in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with a 5-meter fairing and 4 solid rocket boosters.

The full statement from ULA is as follows:

“The launch date for a United Launch Alliance Delta IV carrying the WGS-9 satellite for the U.S. Air Force is no earlier than March 14. The team is actively working to resolve a Delta IV first stage booster issue discovered during standard prelaunch inspections. This additional time will allow the ULA team to ensure all systems are operating nominally prior to launch. A new launch date will be released once it is established. The Delta IV will lift off from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.”